Free Tutorial - 7 string crochet necklace

This is a very easy crochet pattern - great for any beginner, but also nice for an experienced crocheter (is that word?). You can add your own personal touch with the length you make it, the number of strands, the type of yarn you use, or you may even add some beads!

Materials

I used a size 20 crochet cotton (a tight 3 ply, not a 'soft'), and a 1.5mm hook for the above.

Could use anything you liked, this is not an exact pattern. I like the finer look, but a really chunky yarn could work just as well for winter!

How To:

1st strand: Chain as many stitches as required to go around your neck (my examples was about 160st, around 15.5", or 40cm).

1st turn: Slip stitch in the second chain from the hook. Continue slip stitching in next stitches for about 3/4", or 2cm (for the example above that was about 10 stitches).

2nd strand: Continue with a long chain that is just a bit shorter (say 1/4" or 0.5cm) than your first chain length (for me that was 145-150 chains).

Join end of strand 2 to beginning of strand 1: Find the 10th chain from the beginning of your original length (or how many you slip stitched at the turn), and join with a slip stitch. Slip stitch to the end. You should now have 2 strands joined together at both ends, with the first strand being slightly shorter than the last strand.

Additional strands: Turn work around, chain 1, slip stitch into 2nd stitch. Continue slip stitching along the joint section. Chain the next strand a little longer than the previous strand (by 1/4-1/2", or 0.5-1.5cm). Join strand to previous by slip stitching the last 3/4" or 2cm as done previously. Be careful to not get the strand twisted around each other before joining. It doesn't matter if the strand you just made is twisted before joining, it only matters if the strands are twisted around themselves before joining.

Finishing: You should have an uneven number of strands (5, 7, 9 etc.), which gives a loose yarn end to finish off at both ends. At one end, use this yarn end to sew on your button for the closure. At the other end, chain enough chains to go over the botton, and join by slip stitching back to the beginning (see photo above). Use a needle to sew in this loose end, and you're done! If it looks a bit 'wrinkly', give it a quick press with the iron.

Extra Tips

• If you want a really fine tight look, use a smaller hook than suggested for the yarn you use, or pull each chain tight as you crochet.
• Try some variations: different yarn, length, number of strands; add some beads (thread them onto the yarn before you start crocheting)
• When pressing: use a pin, or some tape, to anchor one end as the pull the strands slightly to press them straight; then anchor the other end a repeat.

Feel free to link to this free tutorial, but do not use my photos without any acknowledgment. You can use this pattern for making items for yourself, or to sell, but please don't try and sell this pattern! Most of all have fun creating!